Paper-binder.



No. 649,649. Patented May I5, |900. C. H. STELTING.

PAPER BINDER.

(Application Bled. Max. 27,' 1897.) (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet l.

Insee-...me

No. 649,649. Patented may l5, |900. c. H. sToELTma.

PAPER BINDER.

(Application Bled Har. 27, 1897.)

f` Sheets-Sheet 2.

i iff/f! gamtiara egg .ma cams Patins ca, faremmo44 wksmmsrcmA n c.

No. 649,649. l Patented May I5, |900. C. H. STOELTING.

PAPER BINDER.

(Application led Mar. 27, 1897.)

4 Sheets-Sheet 3l l Fay (No Model.)

Patented May l5, moo. c. H. sToELTlNG.

PAPER BINDER.

(Application led Mar. 27, 1897. l

v4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

(No Model.)

ms viren: auf. moouwcf. wAsH rrnn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

(lllllS'NAN il. S'iOFfL'lING, OF CIICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR T0 IVILTJAMA.

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PAPER-BINDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 649,649, dated May 15,1900.`

Application tiled March 27,1397- Be it known that l, CHRISTIAN II.STOEL- TING, of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois,have invented certa-in new and useful Improvements in Paper-Binders; andI do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exactdescription thereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings,and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part ofthis specification.

This invention relates to improvements in loose-leaf binders of thatclass comprising two lids or covers detachably locked together'at oneedge thereof and between which are adapted to be temporarily secured aplurality of sheets of paper by means of impaling pins orposts attachedto the covers near their locking edges, said posts being adapted to passthrough bearing-apertures in the adjacent edges of the sheets.

The invention relates more especially to an improved means for lockingthe covers together and for securing the sheets between the same so thatthey will be irmly held in position when the covers are locked upon thesame, but which may be removed therefrom without the necessity ofdetaching the covers from each other. The invention relates also to animproved hinge in said covers whereby the same may be opened, so thatthe sheets or leaves forming the book thereby made may be opened dat, soas to be used to the best possible advantage.

Binders of this character are especially adapted for use in books ofaccount, such as ledgers, as a sheet or sheets containing any particularaccount may be removed from the book when the account is closed or atany other time without disturbing the remaining sheets therein. In thisway only current accounts need be kept in the ledger which is in dailyuse, the sheets containing the closed accounts being filed away in asimilar binder or elsewhere, as desired. It will be understood, however,that the binder herein described may be used for any other purposewherein it is desired to temporarily bind a plurality of sheetstogether, so that each may be easily and quickly removed therefromSerial No. 6295519. (No model.)

without the necessity of disturbing the rc'- maining sheets.

The invention consists in the matters hercinafter set forth, and moreparticularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings illustrating one embodiment of the invention, Figure 1is a perspective View of a temporary binder embodying my invention. Fig.2 is a view of the same with a portion of the leaves removed, showingthe covers in their open position. Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the rearportion of the bottom cover. Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the rearportion of the top cover, showing the outer lock-plate. Fig. 5 is a topplan View of the means by which the locking mechanism is actuated. Fig.6 is a longitudinal vertical section of the locking-post, showing thedetails of the locking mechanism. Fig. 7 is a cross-section taken online 7 7 of Fig. 6. Fig. S is a longitudinal verticalsection of thelocking-post, taken on line 8 8 of Fig. 6, with the covers attachedthereto, showing the manner of attaching the same at each end to thecovers. Fig. 9 is a longitudinal vertical section of one of theimpaling-posts, showing also the manner of attaching the same to thecover, broken at the middle. Fig. 10 is a cross-section taken on line 1010 of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a detailshowing the construction ofthe hinge inthe covers. Fig. 12 shows the parts of the locking-post separated fromeach other. Fig. 13 is a similar detail view of one of theimpaling-posts. Fig. 14 shows in plan View the rear edge of a sheet ofpaper to be hound in said binder. Fig. 15 is a similar View of amodified form of sheet. Fig. 1G is a crosssection taken on line 16 16 ofFig. 9. Fig. 17 is a cross-section taken on line 17 17 of Fig. (i. Fig.18 illustrates a modified form of actuating means for the lockingdevice. Fig. 19 shows still another form of said actuating means.adapted to inclose the rear portion ot the book. Fig. 2l is a sectiontaken on line 2l 21 of Fig.v 20.

A binder embodying my invention consists generally of an upper and lowerlid or cover A and B, respectively, of suitable size and shape to coverthe papers to be bound. Such Fig. 20 shows a telescoping back IOO,locked relation.

covers are preferably made of sti pasteboard to give irmness thereto andwill be bound in any preferred manner to protect and to give finish tothe same.

O designates the several sheets of paper Which are to be bound betweenthe covers. A land B. Said sheets are herein shown'as secured betweensaid covers by means of impaling-posts D D, which pass throughbearing-apertures C O in the edges of the sheets adjacent thereto. Saidimpaling-posts are herein shown as being made of two parts or sections,.the outer ends thereof being attached tothe upper and lower covers,respectively, and the inner ends being adapted to have slidingengagement with each other. Any suitable means for locking the coversrigidly together and upon the sheets of paper ,contained between themmay be employed. That herein shown consists of a locking-post E, made upof two parts or sections, like the impaling-post D just described. Saidsections are rigidly attached at their outer endsto the upper and lowercovers and have sliding engagement at their linner ends, like theimpaling-posts above mentioned. One of said sections is provided with asuitable locking mechanism, which is adapted to have locking engagementwith the other section, and such locking mechanism is so arranged thatthe parts will be automatically locked together when moved upon eachother. One part of the locking mechanism carried by one of the sectionsis made movable, so that it' may be moved into and out of engagementwith the locking mechanism carried by the rother section by means of asuitable key. When the parts are unlocked, the covers will vbel free tomove away from each other.

movable parts of the lock will desirably be spring-actuated, so that thetwo parts of the sections will normally be maintained in their With thisconstruction the sections will be automatically locked together whenmoved upon eachother and can only bel unlocked and moved from each otherby the use of a key, thereby rendering it impossible for unauthorizedpersons to remove a sheet of paper from the binder. In order that thesheets of paper io be bound between kthe covers may be inserted withoutthe ne-v cessity yof detaching the covers from each other, each sheet isprovided with slits c 0,'

extending rearwardly from the bearing-apertures O O to the adjacentmargin of the sheet, bymeans of which said sheets may be insertedlaterally in place, the impaling-posts passing through said slits to theapertures 20" O. When the covers are pressed closely upon the sheets andlocked in such position, it will be impossible to remove said sheets,owing to the frictional contact between the same and the covers. 1 Vhenit is desired, however, to rem ove a sheet, the locking mechansm will bereleased and the covers moved away from each other. y sheets maybeeasily removed by pulling them Said At such time the outwardly away fromthe posts. It will be' desirable that the covers may be movedautomatically away from each other when the locking mechanism isreleased, and to this end a suitable spring F will desirably be insertedwithin each of the impaling-posts, so that the covers will be moved awayfrom each other by the expansive force of said springs. The post E,containing the locking mechanism, is necessarily wider than the impaling-postsD D, and an elongated slot c is formed in the sheets O,between the bearing-apertures O O,within which said post rests. Saidslot c will desirably be of a uniform width throughout its length andwill extend to the outer margin of the sheet. This is a desirablearrangement of the slot c', as it aiords a guide for the sheet when itis being inserted in place, so that particular attention need not begiven to the slits of the apertures O O when said sheet is beinginserted. The post E is of uniform width throughout its length and aidsto hold the sheets O in place in the binder. Said covers A and B areprovided at their rear edges with narrow rigid clamping-bars AB, towhich the impaling and locking posts are rigidly attached and' betweenwhich the sheets of paper Oare bound at one edge. Said bars comprisemetallic straps A2 B2, approximately equal in length to the width of thecover. Said straps are bent laterally upon themselves in U form and whenso bent are of a width equal to the width of the finished bars A B', andthe curved parts of the same are herein shown placed on the inner edgeof the bars adjacent to the swinging parts of the covers. Said straps A2B2 will preferably be made of brass; but any other suitable material maybe used, as desired. Between the arms of the U- shaped straps are placedmetal lling-plates A3 B3 of such thickness as to closely lit upon bot-hmembers of said straps, and thereby give rigidity to thesame. Outside ofsaid straps A2 B2 are placed strips of cardboard or the like A4 B4,which serve to fill out the said bars and IOO give them inish and alsote provide a more yielding surface at such point. After the bars havebeen made, as described, they will be covered with a suitable binding A5B5, of leather or the like, to give proper finish to the same. about theouter facesand edges of the clamping-bars and be folded together uponthe inner edges thereof. In order to securely bind the free edges ofsaid leather Ai B5 upon lthe inner surfaces of the bars A B', metallicbinding-plates A6 'Bi are secured upon said inner faces of the bars overthe meeting edges of the binding by means of securing-screws a l). Saidsecuring-screws will preferably be extended through the filling-platesA3 B3 and into the inner arm of the U-shaped strap beyond the same andwhen so inserted will serve to rigidly bind said parts together and makesaid clamping-bars more rigid as a whole.

Said leather covering will be wrapped j that the edges thereof sink intothe leather or other binding when in place, and thus effectually preventthe binding from slipping. It will be understood that the binding willbe secured upon the clamping-bars by paste or the like, as usual; butsuch binding-plate serves to additionally secure such binding in place.A hinge is provided between said clampingbars A' B and the swingingparts of the covers. In the instance shown rods A7 B7 are placed in thecurved parts of the U-shaped straps and rods A8 BS are similarly placedin the adjacent edge of the cover. Links A9 B2, provided withbearing-apertures on each end thereof, are adapted to engage said rodsand to thereby form double-jointed hinges about which the movableportions of the covers A and B may be swung. Said links are each hereinshown as provided with a square shoulder at the end thereof adjacent theswinging covers, which is adapted to engage opposing shoulders on thecover and to thereby form a stop by means of which movement of the coverrelative to said link is limited when in the position shown in Fig. 2. Asimilar shoulder may be formed on the corresponding corner of the otherend of said links, which may engage a suitable shoulder formed on theadjacent clamping-bars, or said shoulder may be formed by the outer edgeof the link, which will engage a stop or shoulder when the cover is inthe position shown in said Fig. 2. Vith such a construc- `tion the coverwill be rigid and will form a support for the leaves or sheets formingthe book when in their open position.

As shown in Fig. 2, the hinged portions of the covers A and l maybeswung backwardly at an acute angle to the clamping-bars, so that thebook formed thereby may be opened flat and the leaves thereof used tothe best advantage. Said swinging portions of the covers Aand YI3 areconstructed mainly of stiff pasteboard; but in order to afford afastening for the rods AS B8 U-shaped straps A10 B1, similar to thoseshown in the clamping-bars A are secured in the rear edges of theswinging portions of the said covers, as shown in Figs. 3 and ll.Obviously, however, said straps A10 Bw need not extend the full width ofthe covers, but each cover may be provided with two shorter strapsadjacent to the hinge. Neither will it be essential that the pivot-rodsAT AS l17 lis extend the full width of the cover.

The iinpaling-posts are of novel construction and are made as follows:Each post, as before stated, is made of two tubular parts or sections D'D2, said section D being attached at its outer end to the inner side ofthe upper clamping-bar A and the section D2 being similarly attached tothe inner side of the lower clamping-bar B'. Said section D is hereinshown as being made of less external diameter than the internal diameterof the section D2 and adapted to telescope upon said section D2and isprovided with a slightlytapered end, so that it may be readily insertedinto the tubular interior of said lower section D2. In order to providea wider bearing for the sheets of paper to be bound within the binderand also to provide a uniform width of bearing throughout the length ofthe impalingpost, so that the sheets of paper will be held firmly inplace with either end of the telescopic section, the sections D' D2 areherein shown as each provided with a half sleeve-section D2D4,respectively, each of a length equal to the length of the section towhich it is attached and located on opposite sides of said sections.Said half sleeve-sections D3 D4 each form a half-section having radii ofequal lengths that when so secured to the post-sections and the partsare telescoped together, as shown in Figs. l, 9, and 10, the twosleeve-sections form a com plete circle around the telescopingpostsections D D2, and therefore form a uniform bearing for the sheetsof paper throughout the length of the post, as Well as increasing thebearing-surface thereof. As the post-section D2 in each of theimpaling-posts is herein shown as inclosing the section D', it willobviously be necessary to provide a sufficient space between saidsection D and the attached sleeve-section D3 wit-hin which the adjacenthalf of the post-section D2 may rest and slide.Thisisconvenientlyaccomplished by placing a short tubular plug d aroundthe base of the post D', the gage of which is equal to the gage of thetubular post-section D2. Said tubular plug d will be of such length asto form a shoulder against which the inner end of the post-section D2.abuts when said section is at the inner limit of its movement. Said plugis shown as extending entirely around the base of the section D. As thehalf sleeve-section D'L and the wall of the post-scction D2, to which itis attached, pass entirely outside of the post-section D, saidsleeve-section Dl will lie closely upon said post-section and willpreferably be soldered thereto, as illustrated in Figs. 9 and l0. Theinner end of said post-section, as before stated, will abut against theshoulder formed by the annular filling-plug d when at the inner limit ofits movement; but on the side thereof adjacent to the sleeve-section D4said shoulder will be of less width than the combined thickness of saidpost-section and the half sleeve-section D4. An additionalbearing-surface for the inner end of the sleeve-section D4 willtherefore need to be provided. Said bearing surface or shoulder mightobviously be formed on the adjacent part of the U-shaped strap A2; but amuch simpler construction is shown in Figs. S) and 13, wherein the halfsleeve-section D2 is provided on the opposite side of the postsection Dwith an integral short half-circular base d, forming, with the adjacentpart of the half sleeve-section, a complete circle having a radins equalto the radius of said half sleevesection and which completely surroundsand fits closely upon the outside of the tubular plug d. Said base d isequal in length to the length of said plug and forms therewith a IOO IIO

4 allgem shoulder against which the ends of the postsection D2 and halfsleeve-section D4 abut when at the inner limit of their movement. Withthis construction the aperture within which the post-section is securedwill be of circular form and may be made with an ordinary drill. Asimilar shoulder d2 is formed at the base of the sleeve-section D4,against which the sleeve-section D3 rests when at the inward limit ofits movement. As before stated, the post-sections D' D2 are rigidlysecured to the clam pin g-bars A BQ respectively. In the presentinstance an aperture is provided on the inner surface of each of saidbars, which extends inwardly through the U -shaped straps A2 B2 andfilling-plates A2 B3 and rests with its extreme ends flush with theopposite surface ofsaid U-shaped straps. Preferably a filling-plugcFisinserted into lthe outer ends of the tubular post-sections, so as tomake a firmer construction at this point and to form a suitable supportfor one en'd of the spring F. In order that the parts may be rigidlysecured together and to the clamping-bars, they will desirably besoldered or brazed upon each other and to the parts of said bars. In

`the 'lower post the fillin g-plug d3 will serve as a shoulder againstwhich the inner end of the post-section D will rest when at the innerlimit of its movement. Any suitable means may be employed, however, forrigidly securing said parts together and to the clamping` bars; but thatshown is simple and effective for the purpose designed. The particulararrangement ot' said impaling-posts as herein shown is obviously notessential. The manner of telescoping the parts upon each other may bereversed, and the arrangement of the sleeves on the post-sections maybechanged as desired.

It will be desirable that some means be employed for automaticallyseparating the covers A and B when the locking mechanism is released. Inthe present instance I have shown a spiral spring F interposed betweenthe opposing shoulder formed by the inner ends of the filling-plugs d2in the opposite ends of each of the impaling-posts. A guidepin F' issecured in the lower filling-plug d3, which extends upwardly throughsaid spring to hold itin place. This is a simple and effective means forautomatically separating said covers; butitis obvious that other meansmay be employed, and I do not wish, therefore, to be restricted to theconstruction herein shown. Any suitable means may be employed forlocking said covers from movement with relation to each other when theyhave been properly adjusted upon the sheets contained between the same.That. herein shown consists of a two-part telescoping postsectionlocated centrally between the impaling-posts and which forms anadditional bearing and support for the leaves. Said sections formingsaid locking-post are construct-y ed and operate similarly to thesections of the impaling-posts shown and described. It

is herein shown as of oblong shape in crosssection and mounted with itslonger diameter at right angles to the adjacent clamping-bars. Saidpostcomprises two tubular post-sections E E2, secured to the clamping-barsA' B', respectively, at their opposite ends. The postsection E2 isherein shown as made of such size'as to it within the tubular interiorof the post-section E and to have telescopic connection therewith. As inthe construction of the impaling-posts, said post-sections of thelocking-post are provided with oppositely-arranged half sleeve-sectionsE2 E4, so arranged as to engage each other at their inner edges when theposts are tclescoped upon each other to form together a completeinclosure for said post-sections and to thereby afford a uniform andcontinuous bearing for the sheets of paper engaged therewith. As shownin Fig. 7, each sleeve-section covers one edge of the post and engagesthe opposite sleeve-section on cach side of said post midway betweensaid edges. Obviously, however, said sleeve-sections may be otherwisearranged upon the post-sections, as desired. As the post-section E2 isarranged to telescope within the section E, the wall of said section Emust pass, therefore, between the wall of the section E2 and the halfsleeve-section E4. In order to provide such space between thesleevesection and the adjacent wall of the postsection, a filling-plugcof the same shape as said half-sleeve is attached to the base of thepost-- section E2, adjacent to and engaged by said sleeve-section. Saidplug e will of course be of sufficient thickness to provide ample spacebetween said sleeve and post sections for the insertion of the wall ofthe post-section E'. This is a sim ple and convenient means of providingsuch space; but obviously any other suitable means may be employed toeifect the same result. Like the construction of the impaling-postsections, the half sleeve-section E3, attached to the post-section E',will be brazed or otherwise secured rigidly thereto throughout itslength, as clearly shown in Figs. 6 and 7, both of said members passingentirely outside of the post-section E2. The lower post-section andattached sleeve-section will be secured to the lower clam ping-bar B ina manner similar to the attachment of the impaling-posts, as described.Said parts lare inserted in an aperture formed in the inner side of saidclamping-bar, so that the eXtreme ends thereof will extend inwardly tothe pasteboard filling-strip B4, and the parts thereof will be solderedtogether and tothe adjacent parts of the clamping-bar, as hereinbeforedescribed. To secure additional strength, the extreme ends ofthesections maybe turned outwardly upon the outer surface of theI U- shapedstrap, as shown in Fig. 6. As in the construction of the impaling-postsections, the lower end of the section E2 is provided with afilling-plug e', which will preferably be soldered therein. In order toprovide room for the actuating means-for the locking mech- IOO anism,the upper end of the post E will be extended iiush with the outersurface of the U-shaped strip A2 only at the opposite edges c3 thereof,as shown in Fig. 5, while the opposite sides c4 will be folded down uponthe upper surface of the lower member of said strap. The sleeve-sectionE3, therefore, will be terminated on the opposite sides of saidpostsection fiush with said upper surface of the lower member of thestrip and be engaged by said turned-down portion of the post-section. Afilling-block e2 is inserted in the upper end of the post-section E',and the parts thus constructed and arranged will preferably be solderedto each other and to the parts of the clamping-bar A', as beforedescribed.

The looking mechanism is herein shown as comprising two rot-ative shaftsG, located in the opposite sides of the locking-post E. Said shaftsextend at their upper ends through apertures in the opposite ends of theoblong fillin g-block c2 and are adapted to be engaged between theirends by a suitable locking mechanism secured within the tubular post E.As herein shown, said rotative shafts G are provided on their innersurfaces with ratchetteeth g, which are adapted to be engaged byspring-pressed pawls g", pivotally mounted on a suitable bracketinserted in said post. Said bracket is herein shown as formed by avertically-extending U-shaped strap G' and a block G2, secured betweenthe free lower ends of the same by means of rivets g4 and is insertedbetween the rotative shafts G and secured in place by means of a rivetg5 passing therethrough and into the post-section E2. The bracket isherein shown as suitably shaped at each side thereof to engage thecylindric shafts G. Said pawls g are pivotally mounted upon the upperend of the bracket and are pressed outwardly into engagement with theratchet-teeth by means of two springs gt, mounted at their lower ends inthe lower end block G2. The upper ends of said rotative shafts G areadapted to be detachably connected with the post-section E', so as tohave movement therewith, as hereinafter more fully set forth. As therotative shafts G and the locking-pawls g' are mounted upon thepost-sections E and E2, respectively, it will be obvious that as saidpost-section E is telescoped upon said section E2 and the ratchet-teethof the shaft moved .relatively to the spring-pressed pawls g said pawlswill act to automatically lock the sections together. In order torelease the pawls from engagement with the ratchet-teeth, it will benecessary to rotate said shafts G upon their vertical axes, so as tomove said teeth away from the pawls g. As shown in Figs. 5, 6, and S,this is accomplished by providing the upper ends of the shafts G abovethe filling-block e2 with rigidly-attached key-engaging arms G3. Inorder to provide room for said arms to swing outwardly, the upper memberof the U-shaped strap A is shown in Fig. 5 as cut away to form anirregular-shaped opening therein. It is desirable that the shafts shouldbe maintained in their locked relation with the pawls when not engagedby a key, which result is accomplished by means of leaf-springs Q7,shown as mounted in the adjacent edges of the upper member of theU-shaped strap on opposite sides of said key-engaging arms and adaptedto press inwardly upon said arms. The arms G3 are so mounted upon theshafts G with relation to the ratchet-teeth g that when said arms are inthe position shown in Fig. 5 said teeth willbe engaged by thespringpressed pawls g. The filling-block c2 is provided between the saidshafts G with an apert ure g8 for the reception of the shaft of a key tocenter the same when said key is inserted between the arms to swing themoutwardly and to thereby release the locking mechanism. A binding-plateor lock-coverH is secured over the lock-actuating mechanism by means ofscrews h, passing therethrough and into the iron filling-plate A3. Whensaid plate or cover is thus secured in place, it forms a shoulder,against which the upper end of the shafts abut, so that said shafts arelocked between said plate and the block e2 and from movement withrelation to the post-section E. It will thus be obvious that when theclamping-bars are pressed together the shafts will be caused to moveupon the pawls and to be locked thereby, as before described. The shaftsG are herein shown as centered Within the plate II by being providedwith reduced end portions e5, which pass upwardly through suitableapertures in said plate. An escutchcon-plate I is mounted over the plateII and is herein shown as secured in position by means of integralinteriorly-screw-threaded lugs t', which pass downwardly through theclamping-bar A' and are engaged by a suitable screw a', passing upwardlythrough the other side of said bar. This means of securing saidescutcheon-plate I in place will obviously prevent unauthorized personsfrom tampering with the lock, as it will be impossible for the saidplate I to be removed when the cover A is in its normal position uponthe sheets C. It will be understood that the plates H and I will beprovided with key-apertures, by means of which a suitable key may beinserted therethrough to engage the arms G3.

In Fig. 1S is shown still another form of actuating means for thelocking mechanism. In said figure, J designates actuating arms orsegments rigidly secured to the rotating shafts G. Said arms are hereinshown as actuated by means of the locking-bolt K of a tumblerlock K. Inthe present instance said bolt is made in the form of a rack-bar, whichis adapted to rest between and engage corresponding gear-teeth on theadjacent inner ends of said segments. With this construction when thelocking-bar K' is in its locking position, with the ratchet-teeth inengagement with the adjacent teeth of the aotuating-segments J, saidsegments will be locked IOO IIO

from movement. When the bolt K is pro- Y jected, however, it willoperate to move the be formed on an are of a circle whose radius isequal to the distance between said teeth points of pivot of the arms.

are rotated by means of a suitable key M,

and the point of pivot of the arms, so that said segments will haveoperative engagement with the bar throughout their are of movement. Suchlock will obviously afford greater protection against the book being.

'tampered with by unauthorized persons than the lock previouslydescribed and will be.

more positive in its operation.

In Fig. 19 is shown still another form of actuating means for thelocking mechanism. In said figure the arms L arey provided on v'theiradjacent inner ends with'gear-teeth and are of 'such length that saidteeth have engagement with each other instead of with an intermediatereciprocating member, as in the previously-described construction. Thegearvteeth on the adjacent ends of the arms L, as in the constructionshown in Fig. 18, will be formed on the arc of a circle whose radius isequal to the distance between the same and A'which is so located wheninserted in the lock that the web thereof will engage between its ndsoneof the segments at the outer corner thereof or at the intersection ofthe curved with one of its straight sides. Said key M 'thus located isadapted to be turned inwardly toward the adjacent segment L, which willact to oscillate said segment upon its pivot away from the key, whichwill in turn oseillate'the other segment L by its engagement therewith.Said parts are so constructed and arranged that when the web ofthe keyhas 'reached a' horizontal position, as shown in 'dotted lines, theshafts G will be rotated so that the gear-teeth g will be out of engage-'ment with the pawls g'. When in said position, the web of the key Mwill act as a stop to prevent backward movement of the segments L, so asto maintain the shafts in their unlocked relation. The segments will beengaged by suitable springs L to return the shafts to their lockingposition when the key M is disengaged from `the segment L.- A stop Nwill desirablybe provided to limit the movement of the key when thesegment has been sufficiently oscillated to disengage the shafts fromthe pawl.

After the book has been filled it will not be 'necessary to entirelydetach the covers from each other, as the sheets will be graduallyremoved therefrom and new ones replaced 'therein in the mannerhereinbefore described. In order to prevent detachment of the sections.from each other, the lower ends of the rotating locking-shafts are eachshown as provided with notches or recesses g, which are so located uponthe shaft as to be engaged by the spring-pressed pawls when said shaftsare Said segmen ts moved `upwardly and turned so that the ratchet-teethg are out of engagement with the pawls. It will be desirable to lock thecovers in their separated position when the sheets are to betransferred, as shown in Fig. 1. This may be accomplished by providingthe upper portion of the notches or recesses Q9 with downwardly-facingshoulders and by providing the pawls g with laterally-project ing partsglo, having upwardlyfaeing shoulders adapted to engage the shoulders ofthe notches gf. Vhen the pawls g and notches gf are thus formed and areengaged with each other, as described, the shafts Gwill be preventedfrom moving upon the ratchets until rotated by means of a key, and thecovers will be entirely out of the way of the operator whentransferring. It will be obvious, however, that one rotatinglocking-shaft and one spring-pressed pawl maybe employed instead of two,as shown. It will also be obvious that the lockingl mechanism may belocated within each of the impaling-posts instead of in a separatelocking-post,- as herein shown.

In Fig. 15 I have shown a somewhat-modi- Iied form of sheet.` In saidligure the impaling-post apertures C are located as in Figs. 1 and 2;but the locking-post aperture C2 is shown as being located entirelywithin the sheet and as being connected with the margin thereof by meansof Aa short slit c2 like that of the impaling-post apertures. Thelockingpost of a binder with which said sheet will be employed willobviously need to be set slightly farther inwardly from the edge thanthat shown in Fig. 1, and the sheet will therefore have a larger bearingthan in said other construction. The sheet shown in Figs. 1 and2 is,however, deemed the preferable form, as

IOO

it may be more readily inserted into a binder,

for the reason that the locking-post aperture c opening its full widthinto the margin of the sheet forms a guide for the sheet, so thatparticular attention need not be given to the impaling-post apertureswhen said sheet is being inserted. In said Figs. la and 15 isillustrated the manner in which the sheets are engaged by the impalingand locking posts, that shown in Fig. 14- indicatiug the IIO sheetsengaged by the upper ends of the posts post E affords a continuousbearing throughout its length for both sides of the sheets, and whilethe lower sheets will not have engage- Y ment therewith at the forwardedge of the same longitudinal movement thereof will be prevented byengagement with the im paling- In the upper Vstill have engagement witheach other.

posts, as clearly shownin said Figs. 1l and' 15. It will be understoodfrom the above that it is not essential that the impaling-posts becylindrical, as shown, but they maybe made of any cross-section desired.

It may be found desirable to provide an inclosing covering for therearedge of the book formed in the manner described, and in Figs. 2O and2l is shown a convenient means for accomplishing this result. As shownin said figures, O and P designate suitable inclosing flaps secured tothe upper and lower covers, respectively. Said iiaps are mounted toextend at right angles to the covers and are adapted to have slidingengagement with each other at their free edges. Each fiap will desirablyhe made of such length as to fill the space between the covers when thepost-sections are in their innermost positions, so that when saidsections are moved to the outer limit of their movement the said flapswill One of said iiaps will desirably have such interiitting engagementwith the other that they will not tend to spring away from each other,and in the present instance the flap P is made somewhat wider than theflap 0, and the opposite outer ends are so folded as to engage the innerside of said flap O, so that the part-s have telescopic engagement witheach other. Said flaps O and P may be made of any suitable materialwhich will possess sufficient rigidity to withstand the wear to whichthey will be subjected and may be secured to the upper and lower coversin any preferred manner. Said inclosing flaps may be finished on theirouter faces to simulate the back of a bound volume.

I claim as my inventionl. A paper-binding device, comprising twoclamping-bars and an impaling-post, comprising two post-sections securedat their outer ends to said clamping-bars, and having sliding engagementat their inner ends, said postsections being provided on their oppositesides with half sleeve-sections.

2. A paper-bindingdevice, comprising two clamping-bars and animpaling-post comprising two post-sections secured at their outer endsto said clam ping-bars having telescopic engagement at their inner ends,said sections being provided on their opposite sides with halfsleeve-sections, which together form a complete sieeve inelosing saidpost-sections.

3. A means for locking together the two clamping-bars of a paper-binder,comprising a rotating notched shaft on one of said bars, a

' pawl mounted on the other bar and adapted with a rotating notchedshaft, which has locking engagement with the other section.

5. A paper-binder, comprising two clamping-bars and a locking device forlocking the said bars and comprising two telescopic postsections,attached at their outer ends to said bars, one of said sections beingprovided with a rotating notched shaft and the other section beingprovided with a spring-pressed pawl, adapted to have locking engagementwith said shaft.

6. A paper-binder, comprising two clamping-bars and a locking device forlockingsaid bars together, comprising two telescopic postsections ofoblong shape in cross-section, attached at their outer ends to saidbars, one of said sections being provided with two rotating notchedshafts and the other section being provided with two spring-pressedpawls adapted to have locking engagement with the shafts of saidfirst-mentioned section.

7. A paper-binder, comprising two clamping-bars and a locking device forlocking said bars together, comprising two telescopic postsectionsrigidly attached at their outer ends to the clamping-bars, one of saidsections heilig provided on each side thereof with a rotating shaft,each provided on its inner side with a plurality of teeth, and the othersection bcing provided with a central plate carrying at one end thereoftwo spring-pressed pawls adapted to be pressed into locking engagementwith the teeth of said shafts.

8. A paper-binder, comprising two clampingbars, two impaling-posts atone edge thereof,each comprising two post-sections attached at theirouter ends to said bars and having sliding engagement at their innerends, and means for locking said bars together, comprising two rotatingnotched shafts, attached to one of said bars and two spring-pressedpawls attached to the other bar and adapted to have locking engagementwith said shafts.

A paper-binder, comprising two clamping-bars,two im palin g-posts at oneedge thereof, each comprising two post -sections attached at their outerends to said bars and havingsliding engagementattheiriuner ends, andmeans for locking said bars together, comprising two rotating notchedshafts, two spring-pressed pawls adapted to have locking engagement withsaid shafts and means for rotating each of said shafts to disengage thesame from the pawls comprising a springpressed crank-arm at one endthereof, said arms being adapted to he oscillated t-o rotate the shafts.

lO. A paper-binder comprising two clamping-bars and a locking device forlocking said bars together, comprising two telescoping post-sectionssattached at their outer ends to said bars and having sliding engagementat their inner ends,one of said sections being provided with a rotatingnotched shaft which has locking engagement with the other shaft andmeans for rotating said shaft, comprising a crank-arm secured to saidshaft, and means IOO for engaging the crank-arm to rotate the shaft.

1l. A paper-binder comprising two clamping-bars and a locking device forlocking said bars together, comprising two telescoping postfsectionsattached at their outer ends to said bars and having sliding engagementat their inner ends, one of Said sections being provided with a rotatingnotched shaft which has locking engagement with the other shaft, andmeans for rotating said shaft, comprising a crank-arm secured to saidshaft, and means for engaging the crankarm to rotate the shaft,comprising a rack-bar operatively connected at one end withalocking-bolt and engaging gear-teeth on said arm.

12. A paper-binder, comprising two clamping-bars, telescopicimpaling-posts for holding the sheets of paper in place and a telescopiclocking-post passing through said Sleeves, each of said posts beingprovided on opposite sides thereof with half sleeve-sections to giveuniform and continuous bearin g for the sheets of paper engagedtherewith.

13. A paper-binder, comprising two clamping-bars, an impaling-post forholding the sheets of paper in place, comprising two tubularpost-sections attached at their outer ends to the bars and havingtelescopic engagement at the inner ends, means for locking said poststogether' and means for automatically separating the same when thelocking mechanismis released, comprising an eX- pansion-spring withinsaid tubular post-sections and acting against opposing shoulders thereinto separate the same.

14:. A paper-binder, comprising two clamping-bars, means for holding thesheets of paper between the same and means for locking the said barstogether, comprising a rotating notched shaft, attached to one of saidbars, and a spring-pressed pawl attached to the other bar and adapted tohave locking engagement with thenotches of said shaft, the lower notchof said shaft being so located thereon as to be in position to engagethe pawl when the other notches are moved out of engagement therewith.

15. A paper-binder, comprising two clamping-bars, means for holding thesheets of paper between the same and means for locking thesaid barstogether, comprising a rotating shaft attached to' one of said bars,provided between its ends with a plurality of ratchetteeth and at itsextreme inner end remote from said ratchet-teeth with a notch or recessand a spring-pressed pawl attached to the other bar and adapted to havelocking engagement with said ratchet-teeth, said end notch or recess ofthe shaft being so located thereon as to be in position for engagementwith the pawl when the ratchet-teeth are' moved ont of engagementtherewith.

16. A paper-binder comprising two clampin g-hars, means for holding thesheets of paper between the same, and means for locking said barstogether comprising a rotating notched shaft attached to one of saidbars, and a spring-pressed pawl attached to the other bar and adapted tohave locking engagement with the notches of said shaft, the lower notchof said shaft being so located thereon as to be in position to engagethe pawl when the other notches are moved out of engagement therewith,and said lower notch being so formed that when the pawl is engagedtherewith, it will limit the outward movement of the shaft.

17. A paper-binder, comprising two rigid bars and an impaling-post forholding the sheets of paper in place between the same, comprising twotubular post-sections, one of which is adapted to telescope upon theother, said post-sections being provided on opposite sides thereof withhalf sleeve-sections,'and the sleeve-section which is attached to theinner one of the post-sections being so connected therewith as to leavea space between the same and said inner section for the adjacent Wall ofthe outer post-section.

18. In a cover for apaper-binder, comprising a main cover-section and aclamping-bar at one edge thereof,a hinge between said main cover-sectionand clamping-bar, comprising a link having pivotal engagement at eachend with parallel pins or shafts in the adjacent edges of said bar andsection, and stops on said link adapted to engage shoulders on said barand section.

19. Apaper-binder comprising two clamping-bars and locking device forlocking said bars together, comprising one or more extensible postsattached to said bars, and a rotating notched shaft mounted on one ofsaid bars and adapted to have locking engagement with the other bar.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as myinvention I aiiix. mysignature, in presence of two witnesses, this 24th day of March, A. D.1897.

CHRISTIAN H. STOELTING.

Vitnesses:

TAYLOR E. BROWN, CHARLns G. MAsoN.

IOC)

